Police, Government and Faith Leaders Join Hands for Peace in Rufiji, Kibiti and Mafia

Lasting peace is built when communities and the institutions that serve them work side by side. Through the Peace Building project in Rufiji, Kibiti and Mafia districts of Pwani Region, supported by Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), BAKAID Tanzania continues to strengthen this partnership by working closely with the Police Force through the Community Policing Desk (Polisi Jamii), and with the District Executive Director’s office through Social Welfare Officers and Community Development Officers.

Pictured above is Afande Raphael of the Police Community Policing Desk, taking part in a training for religious leaders on peacebuilding held at the FDC Rufiji hall.

Bringing faith leaders and duty bearers together

Religious leaders are among the most trusted voices in their communities. People turn to them in times of tension, conflict and personal difficulty. The training equipped Muslim and Christian leaders to promote dialogue and tolerance, recognise early warning signs of conflict and violent extremism, and respond together before tensions turn into violence.

The participation of the Police and local government officers in the same room is an important part of the approach. Faith leaders learn how and where to report concerns, and duty bearers hear directly from the leaders who know their communities best. This builds trust and makes it easier to act early.

A shared responsibility for peace

Each partner brings its own strength to the project:

• The Police Community Policing Desk links communities with the Police, supports early warning and helps resolve issues before they escalate.
• Social Welfare Officers support individuals and families affected by conflict, violence and abuse, and provide referrals to services.
• Community Development Officers mobilise communities and help integrate peacebuilding into local development plans.
• Religious leaders carry messages of peace, tolerance and peaceful coexistence to their congregations and the wider community.

Results that matter

This collaboration between communities, faith leaders and government has already shown its value. During the 2025 General Election period, the three target districts of Rufiji, Kibiti and Mafia recorded no incidents of election-related unrest or violence.

BAKAID Tanzania thanks the Police Force, the District Executive Directors’ offices, Social Welfare and Community Development Officers, and all the religious leaders of Rufiji, Kibiti and Mafia for their commitment, and Norwegian Church Aid for its continued support. Together, we will keep working for safe, united and peaceful communities.